Another Tuesday With Bill Clinton for Gov. Corzine

For the second time in a week yesterday, New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine got help with his re-election effort from former President Bill Clinton.

Corzine, who’s in a tight election against Republican Chris Christie and independent Chris Daggett, has been welcoming a string of Democratic Party celebrities to New Jersey.

On Sunday, leaving nothing to chance, Corzine will welcome President Barack Obama for a return visit to New Jersey at two events for his second stop in two weeks.

At a fundraiser the Essex County Democratic Organization in West Orange, Corzine said that his re-election is important not only for him, but for the national Democrats.

“By the way, political capital for our president is on the ballot,” Corzine said.

The gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia – the only two held the year after presidential elections – are often read as referenda on the president.

Clinton, appearing before a crowd of about 400, said electing Corzine is important to help New Jersey emerge from the recession. As Clinton spoke, Corzine stood next to the former president with his arms folded and his smile broad.

It was a speech designed not to change minds about Corzine, but to inspire the party foot soldiers who can help get their friends to the polls.

“This man has been a great governor in difficult times who has ongoing plans that are only now beginning to bear fruit,” Clinton said in a 12-minute talk.

Corzine, who also appeared with Clinton at a rally in a union hall in Little Falls later Tuesday night, has been hosting several of the biggest stars in the Democratic party. Clinton stumped with him last week, as did Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

Even his official events as governor have emphasized his links to the Obama Administration.

This week, Corzine has appeared with Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

For an incumbent in a state that leans Democratic, Corzine has been embattled. His approval rating is consistently below 50 percent, and most polls in the last few weeks have shown him neck-and-neck with Christie, while Daggett has polled as high as 20 percent.

Christie, meanwhile, stopped at a diner in Monroe Township, where supporters asked him about health care, property taxes and education.

He also fielded questions about Corzine’s special guest stars. “I think we’ve spent too much time talking about this,” he said. “In the end, the names on the ballot are going to be mine and Jon Corzine’s.”

Wednesday, he’s kicking off a statewide bus tour that will feature some Republican star power, though the names might not be as big as the ones helping Corzine. He’s to be joined by former Gov. Christie Whitman and Tom Kean Sr. and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.